Foxtail Fern
Best low-maintenance greenery for gardeners seeking unique texture and deer resistance.
The Foxtail Fern offers a unique textural element with its upright, plume-like stems and soft, needle-like leaves. This perennial plant develops attractive red ornamental berries in the fall, adding seasonal charm. It's a versatile choice, perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or garden borders. While it thrives in partial shade and prefers well-drained soil, it's also noted for its deer resistance. In milder climates, it remains semi-evergreen, but in colder regions, it's best overwintered indoors.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1787
/ 3268
#1787 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
Mature Height
2
/ feet
Who it's for
- Design-conscious gardeners seeking sculptural focal points
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, drought-resistant greenery
- Indoor plant lovers looking for versatile, year-round foliage
Who should skip it
- Pet owners and parents of small, curious children
- Gardeners with only deep shade or harsh, direct sun
- Landscapers in warm climates wanting low-maintenance ground cover
Performance breakdown
Visual Texture
Plume-like stems create a striking architectural silhouette in any garden bed.
Maintenance Ease
Low-fuss growth habit makes this an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
Pest Resistance
Reliable deer resistance keeps your landscape intact without extra protective measures.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly from hanging baskets to formal garden borders and containers.
Seasonal Interest
Autumnal red berries provide a welcome pop of color after flowering.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives in mild zones but requires indoor protection during colder winters.
Key Specs
Mature Height
2 feet
Mature Width
3 feet
Light Needs
Partial Shade
Bloom Time
Spring
Family Name
Asparagus
Growth Rate
Medium
Hardiness Zone
9
Foliage Color
Green
Features
- Adds unique textural contrast to any setting.
- Features ornamental red berries in autumn.
- Ideal for hanging baskets and containers.
- Resistant to deer damage.
- Evergreen foliage in mild climates.
- Easy care level.
- Upright growth habit.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Foxtail Fern for its striking, architectural design, noting how its unique texture elevates any garden space. Reviewers frequently highlight the exceptional quality provided by Monrovia, emphasizing the plant's robust health upon arrival and its surprising ease of care. It thrives in various conditions, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking high visual impact without demanding constant attention. This combination of superior quality and stunning design drives high satisfaction.
Know before you buy
The Foxtail Fern is hardy to zone 9. If you live in a colder region, you should plant it in a container so you can easily move it indoors to overwinter once temperatures drop.
While it is grown primarily for its unique, plume-like foliage, it does produce small flowers in the spring. These are followed by ornamental red berries in the fall, which provide a nice seasonal contrast to the green stems.
This plant prefers partial shade. Too much direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the soft, needle-like leaves, so aim for a spot that receives filtered light or morning sun with afternoon shade.
Yes, it is noted for its deer resistance. While no plant is completely deer-proof, the texture and chemistry of the Foxtail Fern make it a less appealing snack for local wildlife compared to other garden favorites.
It requires moderate watering. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as the plant does not like to sit in soggy conditions, and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
The Foxtail Fern typically reaches a mature height of 2 feet and a width of 3 feet. Its upright growth habit makes it an excellent choice for filling out containers or creating textural interest in garden borders.
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$15